Kochkor is a large town in the Naryn Region of Kyrgyzstan. It’s commonly known as the gateway to Song Kul lake, and the lesser known Kol Ukok lake. The town itself is surrounded by arid mountains that can be seen from every street. While it's a relatively sleepy farming town, it's the best base to restock supplies and get a hot shower in-between hikes and horse treks.

How to get there? Kochkor is a 200 km or 3 hour drive from Bishkek. From Bishkek Avtovokzal (New Bus Station), located north of the city centre, you can find marshrutkas (shared minibuses) leaving whenever full to Kochkor from the early morning.

Where to stay? Kochkor has plenty of guesthouses available in town. These are a great way to experience local life and usually include a private room and breakfast. They vary in price depending on the quality and facilities, but you’ll find something for every budget. We stayed at Guesthouse Liliya (check the separate entry/pin for more details).

Tourist info? The local CBT (community based tourism) office will be able to provide plenty of information for you and what to do in the area. They can also offer local guides, book treks for you, and organise horse riding and yurt camp stays.

Shops and supplies? The town has a Globus supermarket which is perfect for getting snacks, fresh produce, or other items for treks, camping, or long drives.